10 killed in soldiers, IPOB shootout in Imo

Ten residents have reportedly been killed and over 13 buildings and shops razed on Monday in Ogboro, Orlu of Imo State during a fresh clash between the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and soldiers that spread to other communities.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected areas, just as he ordered security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

It was learnt that soldiers initially deployed to dismantle the formations of the ESN were almost subdued by the superior forces of the IPOB vigilante, leading to the alleged killing of one of the soldiers during a gunfight.

Irked by the killing, the soldiers reportedly launched a reprisal, killing some of the residents.

A source said, “The soldiers came back to search for the vigilante that killed their colleague, but in the process started shooting at everybody they see. I can’t actually say how many have died, they are many but I think I counted over 10.”

The Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said, “I have said it time without number. Did we go to their barracks to look for their trouble or they came into our forest to attack us?”

Many people from the troubled area are said to have fled their homes, as tension pervaded the community.

Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma maintained that the curfew was an interim measure to immediately restore peace in Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre local government areas of Orlu zone.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oguwike Nwachwuku, Uzodimma , “I have directed the security agencies to fish out, without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book.”